BRADLEY SAUNDERS is ready for his biggest professional challenge so far when he enters the ring in Glasgow tonight.

The South Durham ABC graduate is relishing the prospect of fighting on the battle of Britain bill, where Scotland's Ricky Burns will put his WBO world lightweight title on the line against England's Kevin Mitchell.

Such high-profile contests are exactly what Saunders has on his mind for the future, but for now he is just happy to be making quick progress up the pro ranks.

After three straightforward outings since leaving his amateur days behind, the Sedgefield boxer is focusing on tonight's six-rounder with tricky Ivan Godor.

Not only is the welterweight Slovakian a weight above Saunders, he also boasts a solid enough record of winning nine and losing 23 of his 36 fights - a far cry from the journeyman status of Saunders' first three opponents.

Saunders said: "It's my toughest fight yet. Tyron Nurse (21 wins 1 loss) boxed him in his 20th fight. I am straight in after three. It's how I want to do it and I'm looking to perform.

"It's a blood sport and people want to see knockouts whether it's me or him. I don't like the sound of me getting knocked out, so I'm fit and ready for whatever he brings."

Saunders has been sparring with Burns ahead of tonight's appearance at the Scottish Exhibition Centre in Glasgow but his final training sessions have been in Hartlepool with trainer Peter Cope.

The 26-year-old, a former world champion medalist and Olympian, has also been sparring with former British champion Ashley Theophane and Derry Mathews.

And now Saunders is looking to shine in front of a travelling support of more than 200 people tonight.

He said: "After this I can see myself fighting another couple of times this year. They're moving me on and I'm on all of the big bills so I think they are expecting big things. All I can do is train hard, be dedicated and deliver."